Thursday, September 4, 2014

Altra Instinct 2 Review

I have to
start by saying that it is overwhelming how many different types of shoes there
are and if you are newer runner, I would strongly suggest going to a local
running shop and having them fit you.They will help you determine what type of shoe would be best for
you.There are neutral and stability
shoes, shoes for over and under pronation, and shoes with maximal or minimal
cushioning.Go into it with an open mind.Just because you rocked the Nike Air’s back
in the day doesn’t mean that a pair of Nike shoes will be your best fit for
running.The last time I was in my local Fleet Feet
store, I heard a lady say that she couldn’t wear any of the shoes that were
picked out to her because they wouldn’t go with any of her outfits.Are you kidding me???I totally understand wanting shoes that look
good, but come on.

I ran across
a shoe company on Facebook a while back called Altra.They started because the founder felt like
too many shoes have gone with a higher heel drop (where the heel is higher than
the front of the foot).The problem with
this is that most shoes, especially with a higher heel drop tend to make you
heel strike, which is a major contributor to running injuries.Golden Harper, the founder of Altra proposed
the idea of a zero drop shoe, which would promote more of a natural
stride.

One of the
best things about Altra as a company is the literature that they provide with
their shoes.They not only provide a
great pair of shoes, but they educate their customers on the proper fit,
running form, and benefits of using the Altra shoes.Their shoes are gender specific as well since
women’s feet are different then men’s feet.Altra shoes use their zero drop and wide foot shaped toe box to alleviate
pain associated with Bunions, forefoot pain, excessive pronation, IT Band
issues, runner’s knee and shin splints.I will now review the Altra Instinct 2.

I have to
say that I might have found the perfect shoe (for me). It is cushioned, but
there isn’t too much cushion like some Hoka shoes.I really like the Zero Drop design and the
wide toe box.I do have to warn you
though that they do look somewhat funky.My wife calls them clown shoes.The wide toe box lets your toes spread out naturally, unlike most shoes
that pull your big toe in.I have found
that in using my Instinct 2’s, my IT Band, hip issues, and shin splints have
gone away.I can run longer with less
energy expended and I love the way they feel.By letting my toes spread out in the big toe box, I am more stable and
comfortable when I run.I did have some
minor calf tightness the first day I ran in them because I was not used to the
zero drop design.Overall, these shoes
are amazing.They are durable and should
last quite a while.

I love Altra
as a brand.They make an incredible shoe
and they educate their customers on becoming a better runner by improving their
form, which I wish more companies would do.Give a pair of Altra’s a try and let me know what you think.